The Round Table - Fall 2014

magazine of the pine school // fall 2014

Dear Pine School Families and Friends,

A school community is drawn together by common experiences both in and out of the
classroom. One common experience that happens every single day at school is lunch.
Did you know that our students used to carry small coolers with their snack and lunch
in them? We have gathered together for lunch in many different locations on the Stuart
campus over the years. As the school grew, we jammed into the cafeteria and then
expanded into the front courtyard, filled with picnic tables, and we waved at friends
driving down 10th street. We grew some more and we ate on the stage and waved at the
class having PE in the far end of the Ashley Carroll Student Center. Soon, we relished in
the space the outdoor pavilion provided. No one really minded; we were a school family
and having growing pains. Education has growing pains in the classroom as well.

Significant educational shifts occur every decade and those have not been lost on The
Pine School. Like any community, the real strength is in the varied tools and skills of its
members and the way those talents are combined for a greater good. I have never been
prouder than I am of our current team of teachers and administrators. They are passionate
about their work and we, together, are poised to lead the School to new heights. Not just
with our exciting uniting of the two campuses, but in exciting new approaches in the
classroom, on the stage, and through athletics.

The Pine School has always been at its strongest when there is a real commitment of all
constituencies, asking the right questions and developing a solid plan to gain answers.
That is where we are now. As you will see throughout the pages of this edition of the
Round Table, our educators are exploring many ways to elevate the work they do with
our students and the results are nothing short of spectacular.

This new edition of The Pine School Round Table is brought to you as a celebration
of achievement and success in the past and the dreams for the future. Many pages
have visual representations of our pillars of a relationship based education: Creativity,
Community, Global Perspective and the Environment. I hope, like me, you become even
more excited about the dedicated members of our community and their commitment
to make The Pine School the best school it has ever been. And I hope to see you in the
dining hall in the near future.

Enjoy this magazine and swell with Knight pride. Pass it along to friends. We will gladly
send you another!

Go Knights!

Phyllis Parker
Head of School

Olivia Wilson ‘15

CONTENTS

1 2014 Commencement 3 New Faculty Round-Up 5 Development

7 A True Living Classroom 8 A Passion For Change 10 Harkness In Action

11 A Very Different Landscape 13 Athletics 15 Admissions 17 Fine Arts

Round Table The Pine School
Robert Allen Ankrom, Editor & Photographer Administration
Steve Naumann, Designer Phyllis Parker, Head of School P’96 (8th Grade), P’97 (8th Grade)
Printing by Southeastern Printing Company, Stuart, FL Nathan Washer, Head of Upper School P’17, P’19
Gary Peirce, Head of Lower School P’94 (8th Grade), GP’28, GP’29
Round Table is published by the Office of Communications. For comments Robert Ankrom, Director of Communications P’23
and suggestions, or to request a copy of Round Table, please send an Susan Buys, Assistant Head of Lower School
e-mail to [email protected] Ariel Chimelis, Dean of Student Life – Lower School P’17, P’19
Kelly Hilton-Green, Director of Development P’26
On The Covers Front: Isabela Adler ‘25 Back: Enzo Gordiano ‘19, Trey Beth Lettengarver, Director of Admission P’15
Kernan ‘19, Robert Upton ‘19 Paul Needham, Director of Information Technology
Janet Pacifico, Director of College Guidance
Contributing Writers: Brooke Aaron ‘15, Drew Aaron ‘18, Kelly Hilton- Larry Pittman, Director of Finance and Operations P’16, P’18
Green, Ben Hylton, Tessie Kerslake, Beth Lettengarver, Nathaniel Osborn, Jorge Salas, Director of Academic Technologies
Phyllis Parker, Anna Perelli-Minetti ‘16, Melissa Petersen ’15, Deborah Gary Sullivan, Assistant Head of Upper School P’22, P’28
Ponte, Christina Reagan ‘15, Greg Squier, Sheri Walker, Arline Wilsey
Board of Trustees Mark Renz P’20
Contributing Photographers: Paul Careccia, Sean Carlson, Maria Miele, Michael Baum P’16 Mary Reynolds P’13, P’15
Steve Naumann, Grace Pittman ’16, Cris Branden P’27 Jennifer Schettewi
Michael DiEgidio P’20, P’22 Jack Scofield GP ‘20
The Pine School promotes academic excellence within a challenging, Kelly Gordon P’26, P’28 Paul Shirley P’20, P’23
supportive, and moral environment that fosters the development of mind, Jim Hauslein Kenan Siegel P’18, P’19
body, and spirit. Marianne Ireland P’12, P’19, P’19 Ramsey Small P’21, P’21
Co-ed, Early Learning through Grade 12. John Isleib P’18 Denise Spirou P’14, P’17
Rich Kennedy P’22, P’24 Anna Marie Tettamanti P’20, P’19
www.thepineschool.org Carla Lucas P’28 Debbie Textor P’18, P’20
Don Mader P’19, P’22
Michael Mortell P’15, P’18
Heather Posey P’20

COMMENCEMENT

CLASS OF 2014

100% of The Pine
School (Class of 2014)
seniors have been
accepted to colleges
and universities in
14 states. 55% were
accepted to Top 50
U.S. News & World
Report ranked schools.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 2014 Seniors celebrating with a toss of the
cap; Shaye Babb showing pride during the recessional; Carson Cavner,
Harrison Feenan, Jack Stubblefield, Greysen Gardner, and Reid Mortell
posing post ceremony; Brittany Edwards receiving her diploma from Head
of School Phyllis Parker. All photos by Paul Careccia Photography

“During the college application process,
there was never a time when I felt lost.
Director of College Guidance Janet
Pacifico puts her students in the right
mindset early -- as freshmen, even.
Come application time, I was armed
with all of the best information: how
to write an essay that appeals to the

“school’s mission statement, how to
build the most impressive resumé,
and how to take advantage of the early
decision process. Like my classmates,
”I owe my pile of acceptance letters to
The Pine School’s intensive preparation
training.”
-Haley Walker, Class of 2014

Junior year activities are
focused to help students
to “BE” prepared and all
students participate in 12
college skills classes and
individual parent meetings.
Finally, senior year the
student is challenged to
“BE” the best and each
college application is
completely individualized.
Among the many impressive schools that are welcoming “While outcomes
our students are: Barnard College, Boston College, are important, it is
Davidson College, Emory University, Franklin and the process of self-
Marshall, Vassar College, Wake Forest University, discovery and college-
Vanderbilt University, Stanford University. discovery that the The
The College Program at The Pine School is a thoughtful Pine School College
process that begins early as freshman and sophomores Counseling Program
participate in activities and testing that help put in place
habits that open involvement in school and community focuses. It is my
events as well as being more personally aware. sincere hope that the
Sophomores also visit colleges during their spring class experience will be a
trip. positive and growth
enhancing one for all

our students.”
- Janet Pacifico, Director of
College Guidance

2

Sarah Chou Ben Hylton Karen Jarrold
Upper School Chinese Director of Upper School Lower School Learning
Hometown: Rockville, MD Music Specialist
B.S. Business Administration, Hometown: Martinsville, VA Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
University of Florida B.Music, University of East B.S. Business & Math,
M. Arts Teaching/Middle Carolina University of Cincinnati
School Mathematics, M.Music, University of North M.Education, Xavier
University of Central Florida Carolina Greensboro University
Most Recent Position: Most Recent Position: Most Recent Position: West
Stephen Foster Elementary Pinewood Elementary Clermont School District
(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) (Stuart, FL) (OH)
Interesting Fact: Sarah is an Interesting Fact: Ben Interesting Fact: Karen
artist at heart and loves to spends time in the water is happiest when she is
spend time visiting galleries whenever possible outdoors. Her pastimes and
and creating works of art and especially enjoys interests include tennis,
herself. spearfishing and paddle cycling, running, and
boarding. horseback riding. She also
spends her summers on Elk
Lake in Michigan.

Lillian Novoa Laurie Rausch – Lower Kate Roach
Upper School Spanish School Nurse Lower School Phys. Ed.
Hometown: Guatemala City, Hometown: Attica, IN Hometown: Middlebury,
Guatemala B.S. Nursing, University of CT
A.S. Business management, Central Florida B.S. Exercise Science/
Bay Path College Most Recent Position: Human Performance,
B.S. Languages & Homemaker/Pediatric Southern Connecticut State
Linguistics/Spanish, Florida Home Health Nurse University
Atlantic University (Melbourne, FL) Most Recent Position: Sea
M.A. Spanish, Florida Interesting Fact: Laurie is Wind Elementary
Atlantic University the mother of four (ranging Interesting Fact: Kate
Most Recent Position: Palm from 2-14) and nothing lives for working out
Beach Day Academy makes her happier than and being active. She
Interesting Fact: Lillian watching them play sports. has even worked as a
travels back to Guatemala personal trainer at ESPN
every time the opportunity headquarters
arises. She uses that time to
see family and friends and
to spiritually connect with
her magical homeland.

Ashley Jenkins Kelly Kelly Tara Martin Jennifer Metzger
Upper School English Upper School Spanish Athletic Administrator Middle School Math
Hometown: New London, Hometown: East Brunswick, Hometown: Homestead, FL Hometown: Fort Pierce, FL
OH NJ B.A. Sociology (Minor in B.A. Business
B.S. Education, Bowling B.A. Spanish & Psychology, Elementary Education), Administration, University of
Green State University Loyola University University of Florida Florida
Most Recent Position: M.S. Sec Ed (Spanish), Most Recent Position: 211 Most Recent Position:
Jensen Beach High School Hofstra University (a non-profit serving the Jensen Beach High School
Interesting Fact: Ashley Most Recent Position: Treasure Coast) Interesting Fact: Head of
believes she may be one of Rosarian Academy (West Interesting Fact: Tara is School Phyllis Parker taught
the most outrageous Ohio Palm Beach, FL) prepared for anything. Jenn’s husband, Jason, in
sports fans you will ever Interesting Fact: Kelly is an She weathered Hurricane middle school. Jenn’s sons
meet. She celebrates Ohio avid gardener and cook Andrew in ’92, moving attend TPS in 2nd grade
State vs. Michigan week like and loves spending time at from room to room as her and Early Learning.
a National holiday. the beach. She also enjoys grandparent’s house was
Pilates and is a fan of live literally blown away.
music of all kinds. Kelly’s
sons attend TPS in 1st and
4th grades.

Kelly Sanchez Katelyn Schweiger Marianne Scott Glenn Westfall, Jr.
Middle School English Early Childhood Upper School English Associate Athletic Director
Hometown: Buffalo, NY Hometown: Dearborn Hometown: Rochester, NY Hometown: Albany, NY
B.Education, University of Heights, Michigan B.S. Public Relations, B.S. Physical Education,
Central Florida B.A. Psychology, University of Florida SUNY Cortland
M.Exceptional Student Concordia University Ann Most Recent Position: M.S. Sports Administration,
Education, Florida Atlantic Arbor Small Business Owner Canisius College
University Most Recent Position: Interesting Fact: Marianne Most Recent Position:
Most Recent Position: Palm Renaissance Charter earned the title of 2006 Sullivan County Community
Beach Day Academy (Palm School (Port St. Lucie, FL) NPC Ms. Florida Masters College
Beach, FL) Interesting Fact: While Figure Champion. She has Interesting Fact: As a
Interesting Fact: Kelly Katelyn loves any run half and full marathons Graduate Assistant for the
is happiest when she is opportunity to travel, her and maintains a passion for University at Albany’s Men’s
at one with nature and favorite destination so far strength training, nutrition, Basketball team, Glenn got
traveling. She has climbed was Israel. and running. to go on to the Second
the Great Wall in China, has Round in the NCAA
hiked an active volcano in Tournament before losing
Guatemala, and has swum to Duke.
with sharks in Belize. Kelly’s
daughter attend TPS in 7th
grade.

4

DEVELOPMENT

BY KELLY HILTON-GREEN

My first year as Director of Development
gave me a huge amount of enjoyment. With
the help of Theresa Hampton in our office,
The Pine School has achieved great success
and learned a lot. Most enjoyable was
watching the unique way in each individual
volunteer came up with ideas within each
sub committee, as they looked to improve
their event from the previous year. From 100
Years of Cars to our Partnership Program/
Annual Fund, our incredibly successful
Evening at Auction to the Knight Run, or the
fun of our Booster Club Golf Tournament, it
was a successful and busy year.

Kelly Hilton-Green reviews early sketches of the uKnight plans with students. Working with Don Mader and Ramsey Small

as the chairs of our uKnight campaign has put the school in a great position for our 45th year. I look forward to

continuing to work with our alumni base as well as build relationships with our community as we aim to uKnight our

campuses in August 2015.

This is an exciting time to be a part of The Pine School, we hope you join us as we uKnight and grow our wonderful
school.

Annual Fund/Partnership Program 2013-14

We would like to thank our donors for their support of The Pine School’s Annual Fund/
Partnership Program 2013-14. Your gifts supports scholarships and financial aid, the
Booster Club and technology and it enables us to stand shoulder to shoulder with the
best schools in the country. Thank you.

$20,000+ Southeastern Printing Mr. Richard Kennedy Massage Envy Spa, Alyssa Kimble
Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Baum Mr. and Mrs. Marcelo Tettamanti Premier Realty Group Massage Envy Spa, Debra White
Mr. and Mrs. Don Mader Mr. and Mrs. Leland Wilson Mrs. Alita W Reed Mr. and Mrs. Stephen McGovern
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Norman Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Reynolds Oral Facial Surgical Associates
Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey Small $7,500+ Mr. and Mrs. Michael Shirzad Mr. and Mrs. Jason Owen
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Slater Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Gardner Mr. and Mrs. Frank Skelly Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Pacifico
Mr. Paul A. Shirley The Hadhazy Family Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Tenney Mr. and Mrs. S. Robert Rimer
Mr. and Mrs. John Textor H.L. Thompson, Jr. Family Mr. and Mrs. Albert Slater
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Upton Foundation $3,500+ Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Tuchon
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wolfe Mr. and Mrs. James Mandly Braman Motorcars Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Washer
Research Engineering & Mr. and Mrs. David Budd Mr. and Mrs. Gurdon Wattles
$15,000+ Manufacturing Inc. Clark Skatoff PA
Norman Family Charitable Dr. and Mrs. Todd Schroeder Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Duke $1,000+
Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Kenan Siegel Mr. and Mrs. Richard Goldman Ms. Bridget Baratta
Peter D. & Julie Fisher Cummings Stuart Tenney Revocable Trust Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Gordon Braman Motorcars
Family Fund Mr. and Mrs. Chris Tisi Mr. and Mrs. Fredrik Jacobson Bullen Insurance Group
Dr. and Mrs. Dwayne Montie Mr. and Mrs. Camelot Collins
$10,000+ $5,000+ Mr. and Mrs. Ed Davies
Dr. and Mrs. John Afshar Bank of America Matching Gifts $2,500+ Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dodds
Mr. and Mrs. Cris Branden Dr. and Mrs. Michael Benedetti Aloha Homecare Mr. and Mrs. John Denney
Mrs. Elizabeth H. Fleitas Mr. Stephen Bohner The Howard Bayne Fund Dr. and Mrs. Bart Doedens
Gordana Uscumlic Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Boyd Bluewater Landscape Mr. and Mrs. Linnes Finney
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin D. Hutchinson Mrs. Carol Fernandez Coastal Orthopaedic & Sports Ms. Sally Guthrie
Dr. and Mrs. Mark Michels Ms. Lisa French Medicine Center Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hall
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Solomon Mr. and Mrs. Mark Gelnaw Ferrari Maserati of Palm Beach Mr. and Mrs. James Hecht
Harbour Bay Florists

Mr. H. Dale Hoffa, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William Wallace Mr. Arthur Einstein Mr. and Mrs. William O’Keefe
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Isdaner Wallace Automotive Group
Mr. and Mrs. Ottie McCullum III Ms. Shana Westerfield Dr. and Mrs. Charles Eversole Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Osborn
Mr. and Mrs. Geoff McGowen Mr. and Mrs. Steven Wood
Mr. and Mrs. Steven McKeon Mr. John Fitzgerald Mr. Ed O’Sullivan
Ms. Danielle Munson $250+
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Murray, The Dr. Anis Akrawi and Ms. Carol Mr. Mike Flaherty Mr. Barry Pairaizo
Murray Foundation Gesser
Kenny Mondo Productions, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bodin Mrs. Mary Franks Mr. and Mrs. John Payson
Mr. Mark Newman Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Campbell
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Parker Mr. and Mrs. Richard Coolidge Mrs. Sue Frennesson Mr. William Perry
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Peirce Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ponte Dr. and Mrs. Chip Falcone Mr. Robert Friend Mr. William Porter
Mr. and Mrs. John Posey Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ferrera
Precision Landscape Company Ms. Carol Gesser Mrs. Cynthia Fucigna Captain and Mrs. Robert Prigmore
Ms. Lia Reed Mr. and Mrs. Vincenzo Giordano
Dr. David Rodin and Dr. Heather Mr. and Mrs. Russell Grande Mr. Richard Fulton Mr. and Mrs. John Prisoc
Yeckes-Rodin Mrs. Theresa Hampton
The Sharfi Family Mr. and Mrs. John Hayes Mr. Al Gantz Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Rabb
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Schofield Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Hilton-Green
Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Shute Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Holland Mr. Spece Garo Mr. William Rachwal
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Skatoff Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jones
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Slater Mr. and Mrs. Russell Kane Mr. Sam Gianino Ram Realty Services LLC
Ms. Robin B. Smith Mrs. Suzanne Matlack
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Stubblefield Mr. and Mrs. R. Lee McElroy Mr. John Giltinan Mr. George Rapp
Target Take Charge of Education Mr. and Mrs. Michael Meltzer
Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Villalba Dr. Steven Parr and Dr. Amy Mr. and Mrs. William Glover Ms. Morgane Rayne
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Walker Eversole
Mrs. Sharon Westerfield Ram Realty Services LLC Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Gordon Mr. Charles Richfield
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Reagan
$500+ Mr. James Riordan Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Grady Ms. Cindy Robbins
Dr. and Mrs. Scott Altschuler Dr. and Mrs. Seth Rosen
Mrs. Melody Ballantyne Mrs. Betty Saunders Mr. and Mrs. Karlheinz Haas Mr. Gavin Ruotolo
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Bayard Soleil d’Or Incorporated
Mr. and Mrs. Barry Berhoff Mr. Chris and Dr. Denise Spirou Mrs. Arati Hammond Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Salas
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Camp Mr. and Mrs. Nick Stoyshich
Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Davis Mr. and Mrs. Edward Thompson Mr. Karl Harriger Mr. Larry Saxby
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Di Egidio Mr. and Mrs. Arthur VanSuetendael
Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Fleming Ms. Donna Zeller Mr. and Mrs. John Hayes Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Shultz
Mrs. Jean Frawley
Mr. Karlheinz Haas 0-$250 Mrs. Mary Heath Mr. Don Schwarz
Dr. and Mrs. Alan Haspel Mr. James Adams
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Herlin Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Arcadipane Mr. Russell Hibbard Mr. Kenneth Serakas
Hoe Bay Properties LC Mr. and Mrs. David Allen
Mr. John Isleib Mr. George Balaschak Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hirsh Ms. Ginger Shannon
Ms. Alexa Jodzio Ms. Diana Bennett-Crosdale
Mr. and Mrs. George Karavangelos Mr. Robert Birch Mr. Michael Holden Mrs. Aleta Shirley
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Kelly Mr. Charles Birdsey
Mr. and Mrs. Chad Kroeger Mr. and Mrs. Barry Blank Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Holland Mr. Dave Shugard
Ms. Monique Lappas Mr. Robert Bodin
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce MacDonald Mr. Thomas Bray Ms.Gail Honey Ms. Rebecca Silva
Mr. and Mrs. John Malaney Mr. Richard Bronstein
Mr. and Mrs. Craig Melby Mr. Ken Bull Mrs. Sonya Houseman Mr. and Mrs. Larry Skatoff
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Mortell Mr. Donald Call
Mr. Michael Mortell Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Campbell Dr. William Hudgins Mr. Tim Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Murphy Mr. Andrew Carduner
Ms. Lindsay Nickerson Mr. Sean Carlson Ms. Irene Hughes Mr. Val Soupios
Palm Beach International Raceway Mr. and Mrs. Francis Childs
Miss Arlene Perazella Clarity Way Drug and Alcohol Mr. Kril Jackson Mr. Michael Spillane
Publix Super Market Charities, Inc. Rehab
Rick Carroll Insurance Mr. George Cooper Ms. Deborah Jenkinson Mr. Greg Squier and Dr. Rachel
Ms. Arlene Rodriguez Mr. and Mrs. James Coscia
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Russell Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Cummings Mr. and Mrs. Peter Jones Squier
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Schoonmaker Mr. Edward Bryce Davies
Dr. and Mrs. Jonathan Slonin Mr. Earl Dempsey Mr. Marty Kavanaugh Mr. Walter Stackler
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Smith Mr. and Mrs. Michael Di Egidio
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Stracuzzi Mrs. Carmel Dobes Mr. Joe Keenan Ms. Laura Steinhauer
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Tenney Ms. Jacqueline Dugan
Three-W U.S. , Incorporated Mr. Charles T. Ecker Mr. and Mrs. David Kerslake Mr. and Mrs. Craig Stevens
Mr. and Mrs. Travis Walker Mr. Gary Eichhorn
Mr. and Mrs. James Kinard Mr. John Storandt

Ms. Katie Kinard Mr. Ray Strickland

Mr. Cyrus Kissling Ms. Pat Stuart

Mrs. Deanna Kletzel Mr. John Swift

Mr. Frank Kohnen Ms. Zhaoyang Tan

Mr. and Mrs. Chad Kroeger Mr. James Taylor

Ms. Adison Lax Mr. Walter Tilley

Ms. Jan Leader Mrs. Victoria Townsend

Mr. Jeff Leiden Mr. Roy Vander Putter

Mr. Robert Leidy, Jr. Ms. Sheri Walker

Leighton Security Management, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Westfall

Mr. and Mrs. Jason Leonard Ms. Arline Willsey

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lettengarver Mr. and Mrs. Roger Wilson

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Levin Mr. Roger Zielke

Ms. Tamara Litterick Ms. Joan Zobrist

Mr. John Lovett

Mr. Ralph Mack

Mr. and Mrs. Juan Marroquin

Mr. Craig Marshall

Mr. James McCabe

Miss Campbell McCarthy

Mr. and Mrs. Michael McCarthy

Mr. Ryder McCarthy

McCarthy, Summers, Bobko, Wood,

Norman, Bass & Melby, P.A.

Ms. Victoria Melby

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Meltzer

Mr. Ken Meyers

Ms. Paula Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Moore

Mr.Mike Myers

Mr. Christian Nast

Mr. Stephen Naumann

Mr. Paul Needham 6
Mr. Burt Norris

How two Pine School teachers are raising awareness through the exciting new Florida Environment Initiative
By Tessie Kerslake & Nathaniel osborn

As veteran teachers, we were excited to join The The Florida Environment Initiative (FEI) has two main
Pine School in August, 2013 to spend our days components: To achieve and maintain Green School
teaching on the sprawling, wooded Hobe Sound Recognition and to hold the Florida Environment
hills. We were delighted to find a community of like- Celebration, a showcase event bringing together
minded thinkers and learners who enjoyed the academic scholars, concerned citizens and Pine student ingenuity
freedom offered by a dynamic independent school. It in an afternoon of fun and learning.
is these two attributes- a lovely campus and rigorous
academic liberty, that we hope to combine in a loose Step one was accomplished in April, 2014 when TPS
program called the “Florida Environment Initiative.” received (for the first time) recognition as a “Green
School of Quality” from Florida Atlantic University’s Pine
We envision a modest program to provide a framework Jog Environmental Center. Tessie Kerslake enjoyed the
for students to use our 142 acre campus as a living hours spent crafting the forty page application, in which
laboratory to examine the flora, fauna, and history she documented the many ways the Pine community
of South Florida. The Upper School campus has a contributes to ethical conservation. From beach cleanups
beautiful preserve (roughly fifty acres) which protects our to recycling bins, we had no trouble finding evidence that
engaging Florida Sand Pine Scrub ecosystem. Weekly Pine students are green leaders in their communities.
lessons across the curriculum in Science, English, Fine At the Green Schools annual luncheon in West Palm
Arts and Math turn this unique environment into an active Beach, we were delighted and surprised to accept the
participant in the learning process, and not just a lovely “Health and Wellbeing Judges’ Choice Award” from
backdrop for lectures and readings. United Healthcare. As we stood on the stage in front of
hundreds of area teachers, we enjoyed listening to Pine

When I was younger, I found a A Passion For
struggling sea turtle hatchling
on the beach, and brought it CHANGE
to the Loggerhead Marine Life Brooke Aaron,
Center in Juno Beach. I visited it Class of 2015
for weeks, and took such pride Environmental Prefect
and pleasure in its growth,
recovery, and eventual release
back into its ocean home. This
center features a sea turtle
hospital, which treats 70-80
sea turtles and thousands of
hatchlings annually.

This experience has fostered a
passion for ocean conservation
and a personal desire to advocate for a
cleaner, safer ocean for generations to come.
I have actively been involved in a fundraiser for the past two years for the Center,
and I am currently a member of their volunteer team.

I believe that every day should be treated as Earth Day. Serving on the environmental
committee last year, I now look forward to this opportunity in promoting responsibility
for our school’s environmental impact on the world.

One of my goals as Environmental Prefect is to incorporate more awareness and encourage active
participation for the benefit of our oceans and marine life. There are also various local Coastal Beach Days in
which we will take part in to help discard the trash and litter invading our beautiful beaches. Most plastics will
not break down even in the lifetimes of the grandchildren of the people that threw them away. The development
of many projects will be in motion throughout this school year that include reducing waste, water, and energy
consumption.

I feel strongly that is our responsibility to prevent further damage, and to be part of the solution. Our everyday
choices leave an imprint on the earth.

Jog Environmental Center staff recount the many ways which will highlight all the green culture that the TPS
that The Pine School promotes healthy lifestyles, from community creates throughout the year.
our athletics to the on-campus vegetable gardens of our
delicious dining program. We believe that issues related to Florida’s fragile,
fascinating environment will become vital matters for
More than anything, the FEI is a student-driven program. the next generation. South Florida’s modest aquifers
To this end, we work closely Brooke Aaron, Pine’s are wholly charged by rainwater. Despite the region’s
talented Environmental Prefect for 2014-2015, as well as seasonal summer deluges, all experts agree that
Emily Rynasko, Deputy Prefect. Brooke and Emily actively water scarcity threatens the future of our state. The
promote new and exciting “green happenings” such as Florida Environment Initiative offers Pine students the
the student driven outdoor classroom and an improved unique opportunity to gain experience in fields that
paper recycling program. will define the decades to come. The FEI is designed
to compliment and enrich the off-campus education
The second part of the FEI is the Florida Environment Freshman trip to the Everglades and Keys each Spring.
Celebration, scheduled for early 2015. Members of the
outside community will be invited on campus to learn We envision an event which is an opportunity for our
from eminent historians, scientists and other experts students to share a favorite poem by Henry David
on Florida’s unique subtropical environment, and hear Thoreau or to display their photography which uses
from Pine students about the exciting research they have the rolling Hobe hills to frame their photo of a Sandhill
done on campus. We look forward to holding our first
afternoon of celebration and community education, 8Crane. Students will create and strut in our annual Eco

Art fashion show, or participate in an orienteering

challenge that will take visitors exploring dark forests fragments.

on an adventure right here. Younger students will have If this sounds exciting to you, we invite all members of

the opportunity to display environmental related science the Pine community to work with us as we take steps to

projects, learn Florida folk songs and much more in order create environmental learning opportunities available

to celebrate our achingly beautiful and frighteningly only on our unique campus.

fragile environment.

Our peers on the faculty are already The Pine School encourages students
excited by the learning opportunities

to participate in community servicethat will be presented once the
events to help raise their awareness and
uKnight campaign has united the
Lower, and Upper schools onto one

campus. We look forward to Pine

to teach them that they can and do makestudents seining in our beautiful
Banner Lake from skiffs of their own

a difference in our worlddesign. The chance for Sophomores to guide fourth
graders on a tour of our campus’ Ais Indian midden

beyond the classroom!and point out scattered pre-columbian earthen pottery

The Pine School - As A Green School Highlights of The Pine School’s
Palm Beach and Martin Counties Green Schools commitment to the environment
Recognition Program recognizes public and private include:
schools that encourage cultures of sustainability
within their school environments. • An Eco-Art Fashion Show where
The Pine School was recognized as a art students not only had the
Green School of Quality for the 2014 opportunity to show off their
school year due to a renewed talents but also brought awareness
dedication to cultivating to up-cycling previously used
awareness and appreciation materials into beautiful designer
for fragile Florida fashions.
environment, making more • The Pine School’s organic garden
effective use of our beautiful program won the President’s
outdoor campus areas and Award at the 2013 Keep
instilling a sense of stewardship for Martin Beautiful Environmental
the land in the TPS community. Stewardship Awards.
• Seniors, through their Capstone
Project, created an outdoor
classroom.
• Students participate in a wide
variety of lessons that enhance
core curriculum skills as well as
environmental awareness.
• Fifth grade students worked
to collect recyclable materials,
measured them individually, and
then built a recycle robot.
• The middle school math
department used plastic protective
sheets to complete in class
exercises and drills helping the
students understand that even
conserving one piece of paper a
day can help make a difference.

HAACR KTN EI SOS INN

How a Simple Shift In Classroom
Set-up Can Make Such A Difference

By Greg Squier - English Dept. Head

The Headmaster of my high school was Dr. John Ratté, a was teaching us how to think.
history major from Amherst College, Fulbright Professor
at the University of Bangalore, India, and an Oxford Most people, on the other hand, love a charismatic,
Fellow (not Oggsford). articulate, and engaging lecturer. Great orators are often
the most vividly remembered teachers, and through their
Dr. Ratté introduced me to Socrates, Plato, and the dynamism they can change lives. Every good teacher is
socratic style that is the Harkness Method. He taught a a bit of a ham, a performer on a stage, and the best of
seminar for seniors entitled something like, “Zen Masks these become celebrities who entertain and invigorate.
and the Socratic Dialogues”. I also fondly remember our Still, lecturing by itself has serious limitations. And, let’s
class trip to a Zen monastery where we tested our minds be honest, it gets tedious.
and knees at meditation one autumn day.
Not surprisingly, Socrates himself tells us that a teacher
Most poignantly I remember that our tiny class met in his cannot transfer knowledge to a student. What can be
office, where we sat on red leather sofas and corduroy transferred, he notes, are curiosity and enthusiasm. These
chairs pulled together in a circle. This seemed to me are vital. And that is just what an excellent lecturer does:
one step closer to an intellectual
respect - I won’t say equality - convey passion. But teachers,
that prep schools especially had never mind philosophers, have
embraced with the advent of known that inspiration can only
round tables in their seminars. be part of the learning equation.
The posh Phillips Exeter It can’t all be theatrics.
Academy in New Hampshire
had installed its Harkness Knowledge, Socrates says,
tables (named after Standard must be won - he actually says
Oil millionaire-philanthropist, recollected - by the student.
Edward Harkness) in the1930s. They were standard What he means is that to have
fare in english, history, religion, and philosophy courses. genuine knowledge, a student must have processed the
Going to those schools, we were privileged; and, sitting ideas, worked with them, connected to them, and found
around a table, equally engaged with our peers and their measure of truth. This is why Socrates taught the
professors, we felt it. way he did, and why Plato preserved it in the form of
dialogues - not monologues.
Because we were studying Socrates, however, Dr. Ratté’s
course in that furniture circle seemed quintessentially So now I find that many schools and colleges have
socratic. embraced the round table technique, if not the Socratic
Method. And, this extends well out of the humanities and
Like the 5th Century B.C.E. philosopher, Dr. Ratté invited into the sciences and mathematics. Not that celebrity
us to examine our understanding of ideas through lecturers will or should ever go completely away, but
questioning and dialogue. Our answers to his questions let’s be fair, they were rare to begin with. I eavesdrop
often led us to a place where our knowledge bottomed on the great thinkers of today and I hear an increasingly
out, to a state of confusion - what is sometimes called inclusive dialogue being provoked by their questions.
aporia. From there (the intended destination) we were Not a moment too soon, perhaps.
free to rebuild and reboot our understanding from what
was known. The process was disconcerting, exhausting, And sometimes, when I walk by those big volumes of
but also empowering. socratic dialogues, I remember Dr. Ratté and I am thankful
for his questions and his respect shown to a young man
And of course that is what the Socratic Method and the trying his best to recollect knowledge and find a passion.
Harkness Method hope to achieve: empowerment. He
10

a very different all of these skills, helps to develop connections in the brain
that will aid in future decisions. There are many variations
Landscape to utilize inquiry in the class from presenting a problem
and have them come up with a solution to giving them
How The Pine School is working towards preparing items to create from ground up. My goal each week is to
touch on as many educational disciplines and multiple
our students to approach problems in a creative, intelligences as I can.

cooperative way and why that will best prepare I decided to put this theory to work in my classroom.
By Deborah Ponte Although I could already have guessed the outcome, it
them for the future. was even better than expected. My debut project idea
came from a workshop I attended this summer about
Like the old adage states, “Tell me and I forget, show gifted children. I placed some items in a bag and handed
me and I remember, involve me and I understand.” it out to six groups of four students I randomly set up.
This sums up the foundation of Inquiry Based Learning I
have adopted this year. The bag contained items
such as: pencils, a straw,
I have the pleasure of string, note-cards, a clip
having the whole fourth etc. The directions were
grade in my classroom on very basic. They were to
Wednesday afternoons. “Create Something” from
Originally, we thought the items in their bag.
this would be extra time I had a rubric with four
for reading but since we basic criteria for them
accomplish a lot of reading to follow. As I expected
in regular class time, I at first, the students dug
wanted to try something into the bag but then
that has been a buzzword were coming up to me
in education for many years to ask questions on what
now. exactly I was looking for. I
instructed them to follow the rubric and the instructions
While eating lunch one day with a friend, she mentioned and see what you come up with. When the students realized
this style of learning. When I heard what this method of they were going to figure out the project themselves in
teaching entails, I was immediately intrigued. As parents, their groups, was when the real magic happened.
we always want the best for our kids. At times that
involvement takes away the freedom for children to figure Most educators you talk to understand when you say there
problems out on their own. I teach my students that failing was a “buzz” in the room. All students were engaged,
does not mean you are a failure, rather you just figured all problem solving, all working together, all producing
out what didn’t work. Inquiry based learning provides a something, big and small. They presented their final
platform for students to use critical thinking skills, problem projects which ranged from a cat toy, to a slingshot, to a
solving, cooperative group learning, interrelationship list maker. What the kids did not realize is that the final
skills, analyze and synthesize information, and help draw project wasn’t really the “test.” It was all the inquiry and
conclusions to various problems. Participating in the use of

cooperative learning that led up to it.
They were so excited to share their
ideas. Time flew by and it was time to
go, but not before we departed with
all smiles, looking forward to the next
week’s project.
If we, at The Pine School, utilize the
infrastructural support we have already
in place, we can encourage the
students to think creatively and work
in a collaborative fashion throughout
all grade levels. This process increases
students self-esteem and presents with
academic success. The end results my
class accomplished far exceeded what
I had originally thought. For example,
to see their imaginations create a robot
that can recycle and another that can
shop for you, made it so clear that this
sort of approach, on a regular basis, in
varied disciplines, will lead to some truly
fantastic discoveries. Just think what our
students will accomplish with this set of
tools beyond graduation. Who knows,
these future enterprisers may solve
some of the world’s problems.

12

Our Athletic Program
has grown tremendously
and teams have become
stronger. I believe playing
sports in high school creates
relationships that we keep
forever and skills we will use
throughout our lives.


-Ali Denney - Captain, Varsity Volleyball

- Class of 2016

Being the Volleyball Captain and All-Area Team
member are just the tip of the iceberg with this
athletic dynamo. Ali was also part of the the District
Championship Team and has been honored with the
Coaches Award.

“Participating in a school team in the 4th through 6th grades is a great opportunity
for our kids to learn the importance of being part of something greater than
themselves. It teaches them about responsibilities and the true meaning of teamwork.
Creating this opportunity in the lower school has enabled our students to be more
responsible, caring, school spirited, and prepared for the middle school years.”

- Ariel Chimelis - Head Coach 5th & 6th Grade Volleyball

“The golf team has been great for me because
we are all friends and we get along great
together. I have become good friends with
upperclassman and we try and help each
other whenever we can.”

- Garrett Barber - Class of 2018

Talk about getting off to a great start! Freshman
Garrett has quickly earned the recognition as
being one of the top 14-year-olds playing golf
in the U.S. He has already won the AJGA Golf
Championship and has played in France where
he was selected to represent Team U.S.A. in the
Evian Team Championships.

“The Pine School has given me the
opportunity to excel both in the classroom
and in the pool. Teachers and coaches
recognize the unique demands of being a
student-athlete and work with me to make
sure I have the tools to succeed in both
disciplines.”

-Darby Goodwin - Class of 2015

Darby’s swimming career at The Pine School
has been truly exceptional. She is an All-Area
Athlete of the Year and holds multiple School
records. Most impressively she earned the State
Runner-up spot in the 100 Backstroke

14

AD MISSION

BY BETH LETTENGARVER

I tell everyone that I have the best job on both campuses because I am the lucky
one who is able to meet and get to know every family and every student from the
3 year olds to the high schoolers! Every one of them has a story and every one
of them feels now like a friend to me. As I visit classrooms, attend a soccer game
or a watch a presentation on the stage, I am always so pleased to reunite with my
“friends”! That’s just one of the many aspects of The Pine School that sets us apart.
Mrs. Parker often describes The Pine School’s educational philosophy as one that
is “relationship based” first and foremost. Though of course we are proud that
60% of the class of 2014 received admission into the top 50 schools in the nation,
that our SAT/ACT scores far surpass the National and State averages, that we boast
a state champion golfer, division and regional champions in multiple other sports
and the only high school steel drum ensemble in the tri-county area - but it is the
relationships that our students reflect on the most as their #1 reason why they love
The Pine School so much!

The admission office on average visits with over 500 students per year, processes
over 150 applications and this year we welcomed 75 new students. The advent of
the RenWeb on line admission tool has made applying to The Pine School a much
simpler and more efficient process and this coming school year we will be adding
the feature of re-enrollment on line for all of our current families as well.

My 10th year as the Admission Director, this is the last year that I will be able to

boast of being a parent as well. It doesn’t seem possible that my only son who

started here in 2001 in Mrs. McArdle’s PK class will be walking across the stage in

Missy Mortell and Beth Lettengarver May to receive his diploma.

The Pine School’s Admission Team I have seen and lived through so many changes over the years – most notably the

development of the Hobe Sound campus and now the upcoming

“U-Knighting” of our school. President Kennedy once said

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past

or present are certain to miss the future”. With the enrichment

of the international student exchange program, the technological

advancements along with of all the personal touches that make

The Pine School special, our future is most certainly bright. I often

refer to myself and Associate Director of Admission Missy Mortell

as the cheerleaders of the school! We bleed BLUE and GOLD and

believe in all things KNIGHT! We are so glad to share such rich

history and such a bright future with our school family!

SAVE THE DATES

Knightrun Car Show Evening at Auction
11 . 7 . 14 1 . 17 . 15 3 . 7 . 15

PINE BY NUMBERS

383
TstOudTeAntLs

11 85 196
siblings
sets of

TWINS

ne nts
6% w st ude 268
intsetrundaetniotsnal families
13
stleugdaecnyts 86%
re-enrollment

college acceptance 30%
stnuadnecnitasl oanid

Why Freddie Freeloader?

By Ben Hylton - Director of US Music

Why Degas? In music education, just as in jazz, it is very
important to look forward to new possibilities without
By Sheri Walker - Lower School Art losing a firm grip on your roots. Miles Davis, who
composed the tune “Freddie Freeloader,” managed
“The museums are here to teach the history of art and to create numerous new possibilities in jazz over a
something more as well, for if they stimulate in the weak a 50-year career. Miles assembled groups of musicians
desire to imitate, they furnish the strong with the means of in his bands that created entirely new eras of musical
their emancipation.” Edgar Degas styles five separate times which proved that music must
evolve with our modern society. The tune “Freddie
As art teacher for 134 students ranging from Freeloader” was part of that continual evolution of
kindergarten through sixth grade, I get to open students’ the music that managed to create a fresh and unique
eyes daily to artistic possibilities. I get to busy their hands sound all the while holding on to traditional forms like
with creative experiences. I get to introduce their minds to “the blues.”
creative problem-solving. As a music educator, I feel that it is time to look
In my classes, lively discussions and subsequent art forward to new possibilities in how we make music
projects focus on the five essential elements of design: line, in the schools and even what types of music we are
color, shape, form, and texture. I direct the students to hands- offering to our students. The traditional concert band
on explore these elements through the use of clay, paints, program should not be the only option for students in
beads, oil pastels, papier mache, and computers (to name middle and high school music programs. Moreover, the
just a few of our media.) musical talents of our students at The Pine School are
Also, in true independent school fashion, I reach many and varied to the point of including traditional
for more. I travel to renowned art cities, visiting their great and non-traditional instruments, guitar, piano, violin,
museums, seeing their galleries and art fairs, meeting their accordion, and solo vocalists. The varied talents and
present-day artists --- all to gain inspiration and ideas to bring interests of our students provides to us the opportunity
back to my TPS students. to foster the creation of a modern school music
Whether it is the brilliant blending of chalk pastels in program that includes classes and ensembles that are
the Impressionist wing of Paris’ famed Musee d’Orsay (where more relevant to our school, our community, and most
many of Degas’ works hang), or the bold scissor cuts of Nice’s importantly, our students.
favorite son, Henri Matisse, I bring ideas back to my students. With the right support and student interest
And it’s magical to see their opened minds click and their we could develop top notch student ensembles that
eager hands create. study and perform modern music such as Rock, Jazz,
My art students love to hear stories about our Funk, Motown, Folk, Bluegrass, Country, etc. We can
provide opportunities for our students that practically
featured artists: how their no traditional band program could offer such as World
childhoods were spent, how Music Drumming, Ukulele, DJ/Sound Production,
they did in school, where they Solo Vocal Training, and Modern Guitar/Bass/Drum/
chose to live, what kinds of art Keyboard training. We could foster more creative
they chose to make. After these music skills such as improvisation, composition, and
classroom discussions, the songwriting. We could provide a music program
students pull on their smocks, in which everyone in the school community can be
roll up their sleeves, and try involved, no matter their level of talent or experience.
out these featured artists’ tricks George Gershwin said, “True music must repeat
and techniques --- all the while the thought and inspirations of the people and the
encouraged and freed to find time.” It is time that we started to look forward, as Miles
a way to make the artwork Davis did, to provide music instruction that is deeply
uniquely their own. rooted in our school history yet reflects the thought
and inspirations of our students and community in OUR
time.

CYCLE Dresses hung and
Artificial light -
a poem by The darkness around
Took over.
Melissa Petersen
Class of 2015 With shoes come soles;
With soles come holes.
May the light and
The sound turn over.

Sheets of cotton,
Blankets of wool,
Your shelter no longer
Is required.

For I am a
Traveller, no,
A thinker! Never
Again will I saunter.

Alas, my blankets
And light, I promise
You this: my return
Is on its way.

below: Trash by Grace Pittman - Class of 2016

Class Freshman Class – Up All Night / Hobe Sound Campus
As a new 9th grader at The Pine School, I found the class retreat
RETREATS to be such a great bonding experience. It gave our grade
a chance to share a small bit of our own personalities and
interests. The time consisted of a number of activities, such as
manhunt and a trip to the beach. I believe that the retreat was
an excellent way to start the school year because it provided me
with an atmosphere that was comfortable, even though I was
new. I know that many friendships were renewed and began
because of that night.
Drew Aaron, Class of 2018

“Each grade level comes into the
class retreats with a different mentality
and goal. There is an excitement and
anticipation about the retreats from
the students and faculty as it is always
a quality class bonding time where
old relationships are strengthened
and new relationships are formed.”
Garry Sullivan
Assistant Head of Upper School

Sophomore Class – Camp Tanah Keeta
The class retreat was a very important and educational trip for our entire
class. This trip was especially important to me because it helped me get
a sense of my classmate’s strengths and weaknesses. It also helped me
to get to know many of the new students this year.
Nicholas Mandly, Class of 2017

Junior Class
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
I was a little nervous to take part in this year’s
retreat. Anyone who knows me knows I am
not the outdoorsy type. I’ve always had a
tremendous fear of spiders. I was kayaking
through the water with my friend, Alex
Scheer. We were at the head of the group
so we had to stop often for everyone else
to catch up. The view was breathtaking.
However, Alex and I stayed in the middle
of the river because we saw gigantic spider
webs on the trees to both sides of us.
Once we reached the end of our tour, we
had to turn around and paddle back. Alex
and I had some trouble to say the least.
We weren’t able to steer quickly enough
and we were going straight towards the
biggest spider web I’ve ever seen. Lucky
for me (but not so much for her), Alex was
in the front of the kayak so she was the one
who was going to get hit. I still don’t know how, but she avoided it! I quickly
laid flat on the kayak so that I barely glided underneath it.
I swear I would have jumped in the water in a heartbeat if that spider had
landed on me. After that traumatic event was over I couldn’t help but laugh. In
the process of ducking the web, I splashed two other students. This developed
into a splashing war. I was laughing the entire time. I couldn’t help but smile. I
don’t know why I was ever nervous for the retreat, because it gave me so many
amazing memories.
Anna Perelli-Minetti, Class of 2016

Lower School
1300 E. Tenth Street, Stuart, FL 34996

(772) 283.1222
Middle and Upper School
12350 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455

(772) 675.7005

www.thepineschool.org